Clippers Overcome Collapse to Defeat Mavericks
Inglewood’s Intuit Dome hosted a tense matchup between the Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night. Los Angeles won 116-103 after withstanding a late rally.
Game summary
The Clippers jumped to a 17-0 advantage to open the game. Dallas gradually fought back and trimmed the margin.
The Mavericks briefly took the lead at 78-77 on a 3-pointer by Klay Thompson with 3:20 left in the third. Ryan Nembhard followed with a layup, but Kawhi Leonard and Bennedict Mathurin answered to retake control.
Defensive plan and momentum swings
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue emphasized keeping rookie Cooper Flagg off balance. Los Angeles crowded Flagg and limited his one-on-one chances.
Flgag had entered the night on a hot streak. He had scored 51 in one game and 45 two nights later. The Clippers held him to 25 points and nine rebounds on Tuesday.
Runs and turning points
Dallas rallied through aggressive attacking and a 38-15 run that erased a large deficit. The Clippers regrouped and led 65-55 at halftime. Los Angeles closed the third quarter ahead and finished strong in the fourth.
Standout performances
- Kawhi Leonard — 34 points on 11-of-19 shooting. He hit six threes and added four rebounds and three assists.
- Cooper Flagg — 25 points and nine rebounds after back-to-back explosive games earlier in the week.
- Marvin Bagley III — 21 points and nine rebounds.
- Ryan Nembhard — 12 points.
- Max Christie — 12 points.
- Klay Thompson — 11 points, including the go-ahead 3 late in the third quarter.
- Darius Garland — 22 points on 9-of-18 shooting.
- John Collins — 12 points.
- Derrick Jones Jr. — 11 points and 10 rebounds.
- Kobe Sanders — 11 points.
- Brook Lopez — 9 points and 11 rebounds.
Standings implications
The win moved the Clippers to 41-38. They now sit one game ahead of the Portland Trail Blazers, who are 40-39.
Three regular-season games remain for each team. A head-to-head matchup in Portland is scheduled later this week.
The Clippers had to overcome a late collapse before they could defeat the Mavericks and secure the important victory. Filmogaz.com will provide updates as more information becomes available.
